ARTICLE 27

LEAK TESTING STANDARDS

SE-432 Standard Recommended Guide for the Selection of a Leak Testing

[ASTM E 432-71 Method. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 627
(1984)]

SE-479 Recommended Guide for Preparation of a Leak Testing Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 631

[ASTM E 479-73
(1984)]

625
SE-432 ARTICLE 27 LEAK TESTING STANDARDS SE-432

STANDARD RECOMMENDED GUIDE FOR THE

SELECTION OF A LEAK TESTING METHOD
SE-432

[Identical with ASTM Specification E 432-71 (1984)]

(This specification is available in SI Units only.)

1. Scope 2.4 The sensitivity of various test systems differ.

For example, a test utilizing a mass spectrometer leak
1.1 This standard is intended as a guide for the
detector normally has an ultimate sensitivity of 1010
selection of a leak testing method. Figure 1 is supplied
standard cm3/s when the procedure involves the mea-
as a simplified guide.
surement of a steady-state gas leakage rate. The sensitiv-
1.2 The type of item to be tested or the test system ity of the test may be increased under special conditions
and the method considered for either leak measurement to 1014 standard cm3/s by allowing an integration of
or location are related in the order of increasing sensi- the leakage to occur in a known volume before a
tivity. measurement of leakage is made. In the first case, the
sensitivity of the test equals the sensitivity of the
instrument; whereas in the second case, the sensitivity
2. Selection of System of the test is 104 times greater than that of the instrument.
If the test system utilizes a mass spectrometer operating
2.1 The correct choice of a leak testing method in the detector-probe mode, the sensitivity of the test
optimizes sensitivity, cost, and reliability of the test. can be 102 to 104 smaller than that of the mass
One approach is to rank the various methods according spectrometer itself.
to test system sensitivity.
2.2 The various testing methods must be individually
examined to determine their suitability for the particular 3. Leakage Measurement
system being tested. Only then can the appropriate 3.1 In general, leakage measurement procedures in-
method be chosen. For example, radioactive gases are volve covering the whole of the suspected region with
not generally employed as a tracer for leak location tracer gas, while establishing a pressure differential
because of the hazards associated with their use. How- across the system by either pressurizing with a tracer
ever, such gases are employed in leakage detection gas or by evacuating the opposite side. The presence
equipment when they can be safely added to, and and concentration of tracer gas on the lower pressure
removed from, a test chamber on a periodic basis. side of the system are determined and then measured.
2.3 It is important to distinguish between the sensitiv-
3.2 A dynamic test method can be performed in the
ity associated with the instrument employed to measure shortest time. While static techniques increase the test
leakage and the sensitivity of the test system followed sensitivity, the time for testing is also increased.
using the instrument. The sensitivity of the instrument
influences the sensitivity that can be attained in a 3.3 Equipment or devices that are the object of
specific test. The range of temperatures or pressures, leakage measurement fall into two categories: (1) open
and the types of fluids involved, influence both the units, which are accessible on both sides, and (2) units
choice of instrument and the test system. that are sealed. The second category is usually applied

627
SE-432 1998 SECTION V SE-432

to mass-produced items including gas and vacuum in the order of increasing sensitivity: flow measurement,
tubes, transistors, integrated circuit modules, relays, pressure measurement, bubble testing (immersion), he-
ordnance units, and hermetically sealed instruments. lium mass spectrometer, infrared analyzer, alkaline-ion
diode halogen detector, and radioactive tracer. (Note
3.3.1 Open or Single-Sealed UnitsEither evacua- that the helium mass spectrometer method may not be
tion or pressurization of one side of a unit that is the most sensitive in this situation where the measure-
accessible on both sides, may be employed to test for ment is to be made at atmospheric pressure.)
leakage across a unit.
3.3.2 Multiple-Sealed UnitsIn the testing of
3.3.1.1 Systems Leaking to VacuumIn the order
sealed units, applicable testing methods are, in the
of increasing sensitivity for testing an evacuated system,
order of increasing sensitivity: bubble testing, flow
the methods include: flow measurement, absolute pres-
measurement, pressure measurement, infrared analyzer,
sure measurement, the alkaline-ion diode halogen detec-
alkaline-ion diode halogen detector, helium mass spec-
tor, and the helium mass spectrometer leak detector.
trometer, and radioactive tracer. The last four methods
The first approach to the testing of units that may
are applicable to a back pressurizing testing procedure.
be evacuated is to determine if there is an inherent
Back pressuring, or bombing, is the usual procedure
tracer in the system. This gas should be utilized if
used for applying a tracer gas. If the leak in the unit
possible.
is exceptionally large, any tracer gas in the unit will
When one side is evacuated, leakage of the tracer
escape rapidly when it is subjected to reduced pressure.
into the vacuum will reach the detector quickly if there
Consequently, high-sensitivity tests for this tracer will
is essentially no stratification. However, evacuation
be ineffective if the tracer gas has already escaped
does not always allow the most sensitive and reliable
from the system. It is therefore recommended that all
measurement. If the evacuated region is extremely large,
parts be tested for large leaks after the high sensitivity
high pumping speeds will be required and the leakage
tests have been conducted. Tests for large leaks involved
gas will tend to follow streamlines to the pump port.
relatively insensitive procedures. If liquids are em-
The amount of tracer gas that reaches the detector may
ployed, the smaller leaks can easily become clogged
then be substantially reduced depending on the location
and may not be detected during a subsequent high
of the detector in the evacuated region.
sensitivity test.
When no inherent tracer is available, the next ap-
proach should be to determine if there is a gage in 3.3.2.1 Evacuated Unit TestingWith evacuated
the system that might be used for leakage measurement. units, the choice of a testing procedure is relatively
This gage might be an ionization gage or, in some simple. If the system includes a gage, this gage may
fortunate circumstances, a mass spectrometer in the be used to show the presence of gas contamination.
system as part of the analytical instrumentation. Consid- The back pressurizing procedure should be used in the
eration should be given not only to gages that are absence of an internal gage. The units should be passed
normally used for leak detection, but to any gas concen- through a bubble test after the back pressurizing test
tration detection equipment that may be used for leakage to locate the exceptionally large leaks. If the unit can
measurement if it happens to be available. Equipment be opened to the atmosphere, a flow measurement
not originally intended for pressure measurement may procedure may be used.
be used; for example, it is possible to detect the pressure
rise in a leaking vacuum tube by operating the grid 3.3.2.2 Units Sealed with AirTesting proce-
at a positive and an anode at a negative potential, and dures for units sealed with air may be divided into
noting an increase in anode current with time. two categories: low sensitivity testing by either bubble
When there is no inherent tracer or gage within the testing, flow measurement, or pressure measurement,
system, a standard testing method must be chosen based and high sensitivity testing using the back pressurizing
on the sensitivity desired. technique.

3.3.1.2 Systems Leaking to AtmosphereThe 3.3.2.3 Units Sealed With Tracer GasUnits
choice of a testing method for systems leaking to sealed with tracer gas may be tested for leakage of
atmospheric pressure should be made in the same the gas out of the unit by dynamic or static procedures.
manner as suggested for evacuated systems. In the Generally, the partial pressure of tracer gas inside a
absence of an inherent tracer or a gage, one of the unit will be higher than it would be if the tracer gas
standard methods of making leakage measurements were forced into an evacuated unit through a small
against atmospheric pressure must be chosen. These are, leak as is done in the back pressurizing procedure.

628
SE-432 ARTICLE 27 LEAK TESTING STANDARDS SE-432

Thus, pre-sealing with tracer gas leads to a more 4.1.1 Testing of Evacuated Systems (Tracer Probe
sensitive procedure involving fewer steps. As in the Mode)In the location of leaks in evacuated systems,
case with the other methods, a final inspection must first determine if there is an inherent detector within
be conducted by means of a bubble test procedure to the system. This may be a pressure gage; preferably
locate exceptionally large leaks. a gage that is specific for some tracer gas which may
be used. If such a gage does not exist, the methods
to use in the order of increasing sensitivity are: sonic,
pressure change, gage response, high-voltage discharge,
alkali-ion diode leak halogen detector, infrared detector,
4. Leak Location and mass spectrometer.
4.1 Leak location can be subdivided into a tracer 4.1.2 Testing at Atmospheric Pressure (Detector
probe mode and a detector probe mode. The tracer Probe Mode)In testing a system that is leaking into
probe procedure is used when the system is evacuated, atmosphere, the first consideration is whether or not
and the tracer gas comes from a probe located outside the leaking fluid may be used as a tracer. This will
the system. The detector probe mode is used when the always be the case when using either the sonic method
system is pressurized with tracer gas and testing is or the bubble-testing method. However, the tracer might
done at atmospheric pressure. Usually the tracer probe be of a composition that will also prove satisfactory
technique is more rapid because the gas reaches the for use with the other testing methods. In order of
detector at a higher concentration, despite any streaming increasing sensitivity these methods for leak location
effects, than it does with a detector probe which detects are: chemical testing, gage response, infrared gas ana-
tracer gas which is highly diluted by atmospheric gases. lyzer, mass spectrometer, and alkali-ion diode halogen
In the detector probe mode, a higher pressure differential detector.
across the system may be used, and therefore leaks of 4.1.2.1 When using liquid penetrants, the pres-
a smaller conductance can be found. In using either sure may be atmospheric both inside and outside. Both
mode it is important that leak location be attempted surfaces must be accessible. Leaks are detected visually
only after the presence of a leak has been verified. by fluorescence or coloration.

629
SE-432 1998 SECTION V SE-432

FIG. 1 GUIDE FOR SELECTION OF LEAKAGE TESTING METHOD

630
SE-479 ARTICLE 27 LEAK TESTING STANDARDS SE-479

RECOMMENDED GUIDE FOR PREPARATION

OF A LEAK TESTING SPECIFICATION
SE-479

[Identical with ASTM E 479-73 (1984)]

1. Scope 3.2 testing specification (TS) a specification for the

detection, location, or measurement, or a combination
1.1 This standard is intended as a guide. It enumerates
thereof, of leakage. The operational fluid usually is not
factors to be considered in preparing a definitive speci-
detectable with commercially available leak detectors.
fication for maximum permissible gas leakage of a
The leak test must be performed with a suitable test
component, device, or system. The guide relates and
gas containing a tracer to which the detector is sensitive.
provides examples of data for the preparation of leak
The pressure magnitude and pressure direction may
testing specifications. It is primarily applicable for use
vary greatly from operational conditions. These and
in specifying halogen leak testing methods.
other factors are to be considered and evaluated when
1.2 Two types of specifications are described: the leak testing performed to the requirements of the
TS is to result in a product that meets most of the
1.2.1 Operational specifications (OS), and OS requirements. In addition, should a product be tested
1.2.2 Testing specifications (TS): with a detector or tracer probe from point to point,
allowance should be made for the possibility of two
1.2.2.1 Total, and or more leaks, each causing less leakage than the total
leakage maximum, but adding up to an amount greater
1.2.2.2 Each leak. than allowed.

2. Applicable Documents
4. Specification Content and Units
2.1 ASTM Standards:
E 425 Definitions of Terms Relating to Leak Testing 4.1 The content and units of the specification should
E 427 Recommended Practice for Testing for Leaks Using relate the following data:
the Halogen Leak Detector (Alkali-Ion Diode)
4.1.1 Mass flow per unit of time, preferably in
E 432 Recommended Guide for the Selection of a Leak
standard cubic centimetres per second, cm3/s (that is,
Testing Method
under standard temperature, 25C, and pressure, 760
mm Hg).

3. Definitions 4.1.2 The pressure differential across the two sides

of possible leaks, and the direction, in pounds per
3.1 operational specification (OS) a specification square inch (psi) or metric units (Pa).
from which the others are derived. The specification
specifies and states the limits of the leakage rate of 4.1.3 Any special restrictions or statement of facts
the fluid to be used for the product using criteria such that might prohibit the use of a particular type of leak
as failure to operate, safety, or appearance. testing method.

631
SE-479 1998 SECTION V SE-479

4.1.4 The methods of the leakage specification normal charge can be lost before serious operational
shall not be limited to any one particular method unless inefficiency begins, and the neoprene connecting hoses
it is the only one suitable. Specific leak testing methods have a basic permeation rate of 1 oz/year. Inspection
can be selected when careful consideration of the facts of the system shows that the vacuum operator of the
is outlined (refer to Recommended Guide E 432 or capacity valve and the thermostat are not directly
the other applicable documents of Section 2). connected to the refrigerant circuit, and can thus be
considered separately.
6.2.1 Calculations:
5. Significance Leakage to be detected = 6 oz (total loss) 1 oz
5.1 For any product to be tested the geometrical 3 years = 3 oz
complexity will vary widely. However, the basic concept Period = 3 years
of determining an operative leakage specification regard- Rate = 3 oz/3 years = 1 oz/year. Rate (standard
less of geometries is much the same for all, whether units) = 1 oz/year 1.8 104 (or 0.00018 = R-12
it be simple, ordinary, or complex. conversion factor) = 1.8 104 standard cm3/s. See 6.6.3.
Pressure The maximum operating temperature of
5.2 The data required for writing the OS, which is the system will be 170F (77C) at which temperature
total leakage (standard cm3), time (s), and pressure the pressure of the refrigerant will be about 300 psia
difference across the leak, are either available or can (2.07 MPa, absolute). Pressure difference = 300 psia
be determined by tests or measurements. (internal) 15 psia (0.10 MPa, absolute) (atmosphere) =
5.3 A user who selects values to be used in a leakage 285 psi (1.97 MPa).
specification as a result of someone else having used 6.2.2 Therefore, the following would appear on
the value or simply because of prestige reasons, may the appropriate documents: Leakage Specification (Oper-
find the value or values unsatisfactory for the product. ational): 3.6 104 standard cm3/s max at 285 psi
5.4 A specification that is too restrictive may result (1.97 MPa) pressure difference (1.8 104 standard
in excessive leak testing costs. cm3/s excluding hose permeation).

5.5 A typical illustration for determining a leakage 6.3 TS, Refrigerant Circuit:
specification, using the complex geometry of a refriger- 6.3.1 For a unit to be tested at the OS level,
ant system for an example, will be used throughout any inaccuracies in the test could cause possible unit
this recommended guide. It is well to point out that acceptance when in fact the unit may leak in excess
the user should realize that the values and test methods of the amount allowed. Most testing conditions cannot
selected do not necessarily represent the best or typical duplicate operating conditions. Should a point-by-point
ones for this application. probing technique be used, a number of smaller leaks
may allow a total leakage in excess of the value
specified.
6. Procedure
6.3.2 In addition, some portions of the system
6.1 The example that follows is to be construed as may be purchased as a completed operative component.
applicable to the equipment and testing method cited, Their potential contribution to the total system leakage
and is not to be construed as setting up mandatory must be limited. It is because of the requirements of
leakage rates for any other equipment or method of the testing specification that these and other factors are
testing. The example used to illustrate the use of this considered, and that required leak testing at levels to
guide is as follows: An automotive air-conditioning ensure acceptable quality levels in the final product is
system using Refrigerant-12 (R-12, dichlorodifluoro- made with the consideration for a lesser testing cost.
methane) and consisting of a compressor, condensing Often it is necessary to divide the leakage allowance
coil, thermostatic expansion valve, evaporating coil, equitably among various components, taking into ac-
vacuum-operated hot gas bypass capacity control valve, count the statistical probability of the largest allowable
and a sealed temperature control thermostat. leakage occurring in a number of a given set of
components.
6.2 OS, Refrigerant Circuit It is desirable that
the rechargeable portions of the system operate three 6.3.2.1 Division of Leakage Allowance Among
years before requiring additional refrigerant: for the System Components Assume in the previous example
sealed parts, 5 years. Tests show that 6 oz of the that the compressor, condensing and evaporating coils,

632
SE-479 ARTICLE 27 LEAK TESTING STANDARDS SE-479

the expansion valve, capacity control valve, and sealed 6.6 Factor of Safety for Test versus Operating Condi-
thermostat all have to be considered. Also assume that tions:
the compressor and evaporating coil will both be tested
separately before assembly into the system, as each 6.6.1 Pressure As a recommendation, the leak-
has a number of fabricated joints more prone to leakage age is assumed to be proportional to the difference of
than the condensing coil. The condensing coil, consid- the squares of the pressures on each side of the leak.
ered a continuous length of tubing, can be tested at However, for this example, it is assumed that a 400 psi
the final system test. All components except the thermo- (2.76 MPa) pressure difference, high pressure internal, is
stat make up some portion of the refrigerant circuit. needed. This would allow combining the leak test with
How then should the leakage allowance be divided the burst test which is fixed at 400 psig [415 psia
among them? The usually equitable way is to make (2.86 MPa, absolute) internal 15 psia (0.10 MPa,
the division on the basis of the number of joints in absolute) external = 400 psi]. This pressure will possibly
each, considering 1 in. (25.4 mm) of seam as one reveal leaks that can only develop with higher stress.
joint. A tabulation example on this basis follows: With the operating condition at 300 psig (2.07 MPa,
gage) max, greater leakage can be expected at the
No of % of higher test pressure. Calculate the Factor of Safety as
Joints Total follows:
Compressor 36 28
Condensing coil 78 60 Factor of Safety = (P22 P12)/(P32 P12)
Expansion valve 7 5 = (4002 152)/(3002 152) = 1.8
Capacity control valve 9 7
Total 130 100
where:
6.4 Factor of Safety for Leak Testing Accuracy P1 p pressure, atmospheric
When establishing the data for the factor of safety for P2 p high pressure (internal)
leak testing accuracy and when performed by various P3 p pressure, operating
people using different equipment, facilities, or operating
Therefore, a factor of 1.8 can be applied to the opera-
standards, the resulting data usually will vary tremen-
tional specification.
dously. Results of a round-robin test conducted by
ASTM resulted in a spread of the test data of about 6.6.2 Test Gas Except at high ambient tempera-
one decade. This value is considered valid for leak tures, most refrigerant gases normally used in a system
tests using procedures and equipment described in will liquefy before the test pressure is reached. Nonethe-
Section 2. Therefore any operational specification may less, other gases or a mixture of gases will be required
apply a factor of 13 or 0.3. for leak testing. The more suitable gases, such as
helium, nitrogen, air, etc., have a viscosity of about 1.9
6.5 Factor of Safety for Number of Leaks per Sys- 104 P, compared to 1.2 104 for most halogenated
tem When a unit or device has a number of points refrigerants, compared to 1 100 for water and 1
that may leak, the leak test is to be performed by 102 for lubricating oils. The leakage of a fluid is
point-to-point probing. There is a possibility that the inversely proportional to its viscosity. Therefore, the
sum of all leaks smaller than the specification total correction for test fluid is extremely important, particu-
may add up to an amount in excess of it. However, larly when liquids are involved. In this example a
this is dependent upon the number of leak possibilities factor of 1.2 104 divided by 1.9 104 = 0.6 will
or on whether there is any distortion of the normal be used.
leak size distribution curve, which covers many decades
of sizes. The factor assigned here may depend upon 6.6.3 Test Specifications From an operational
a judgment of the probability of such an event occurring, specification of 1.8 104 standard cm3/s (excluding
the degree of confidence needed in the leak test, and hoses) the testing specification for the completed system
the safety factor that can be afforded. In this example, is derived (Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 14). Test
assume that the condensing coil is of welded aluminum specification, total = 1.8 104 0.3 (equipment
which has a strong tendency to have porosities that accuracy) 1.8 (gas pressure) 0.6 (gas viscosity) =
leak in the range of 108 standard cm3/s. For this 1.8 104 0.32 = 5.8 105. Round the coefficient
reason, the TS total will be divided by five for this to the nearest whole number. The total for all leaks
item, and by three for the others, that is, a factor of will be: Leakage specification, testing, total: 6 105
0.2 and 0.3 respectively. standard cm3/s, max at 400 psi (2.76 MPa) pressure

633
SE-479 1998 SECTION V SE-479

differential, pressure internal. Therefore, each leak = Operational specification

6 105 0.3 (selected by consideration of 6.5) = p 2/(5 3.15 107)
= 1.3 108 standard cm3/s
1.8 105 standard cm3/s. Rounded, each leak will
Using factors previously discussed, the specifications
be: Leakage specification, testing, each leak: 2 105
may be tabulated as follows:
standard cm3/s, max at 400 psi pressure differential,
pressure internal. Maximum Leakage at 70 psi (0.48 MPa) Differential, Pressure Internal
(Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 913)
6.6.4 Testing Specification, Purchased Compo-
Maximum
nents When purchased components will be subject
Type of Leakage,
to receiving inspection for compliance with the leakage Specification Seller User standard cm3/s
specification supplied to the vendor, these two specifica- Operational 1.3 108
tions should not be the same: otherwise, parts tested Testing, total X 4 109
at normal accuracies by the vendor may be rejected Testing, total X 1 109
by the customer. Therefore, a typical factor of about Testing, each
1 (0.1) should be applied to the vendors specification. leak X 3 109
10
Testing, each
leak X 1 109
6.6.4.1 Expansion Valve This component has
two leakage requirements. The part common with the Note that the factors used are larger than normal, as
refrigerant system must meet its requirements; the sealed the sensitivity limit for the detection of halogen has
operator assembly, a diaphragm, capillary tube, and bulb been approached. (See Recommended Practice E 427.)
filled with R-12 gas has its own operation specification.
Refrigerant System Side Specifications: Test Specifi- 6.6.4.2 Control Valve There are two separate
cation, Total In the tabulation example in 6.3.2.1 leakages to consider for this component: the refrigerant
an allowance of 5% for the expansion valve compart- side and the operational side. Applying appropriate
ment was established. Applying this to the similar factors, the specifications may be tabulated as follows:
system specification: 1.8 104 0.05 = 9 106 Refrigerant Circuit Side Specifications:
standard cm3/s. (This allowance might be increased on Maximum Leakage at 400 psi (2.76 MPa) Differential, Pressure Internal
a statistical basis if desired.) Thus the specification for (Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 1417)
this component can be tabulated as follows:
Maximum
Type of Leakage,
Maximum Leakage at 400 psi (2.76 MPa) Differential, Pressure Internal Specification Seller User standard cm3/s
(Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 58) Testing, total 2 105
Testing, total X 2 106
Maximum Testing, each
Type of Leakage, leak X 6 106
Specification Seller User standard cm3/s Testing, each
Testing, total X 9 106 leak X 6 107
Testing, total X 9 107
Testing, each
Calculation, testing, total: 1.8 104 0.09 (see the
leak X 3 106 tabulation example in 6.3.2.1) = 1.6 105 standard
Testing, each cm3/s.
leak X 3 107 Operator Specifications:
Maximum Leakage at 15 psi (0.10 MPa) Differential, Pressure External
Observe that a factor of 13 has been applied for probe (Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 1820)
testing versus total leakage testing.
Operator Assembly Specifications This is an inde- Maximum
pendent system, and the operational specification must Type of Leakage,
Specification Seller User standard cm3/s
be established as before. Make the following calcula-
Testing, total X 1 100
tions:
Testing, total X 1 101
Maximum loss of R-12 before 2 standard cm3 As this component is non-repairable, and because the
malfunction:
Time limit: 5 years diaphragm is accessible only through parts on each
Pressure (internal): 85 psia (0.59 MPa, side of its enclosure, probe testing to locate points of
absolute) leakage is neither possible nor desirable.

634
SE-479 ARTICLE 27 LEAK TESTING STANDARDS SE-479

6.6.4.3 Thermostat No parts are in contact 7. Summary of Requirements

with the refrigerant circuit. The unit components usually
7.1 A leakage specification should contain all the
are sealed in an inert atmosphere at one atmosphere
requirements for the qualifying procedure. It shall
pressure, to prevent contaminants and oxidation. It is
preferred to specify the tracer gas to be used, in order specify:
to control the electrical characteristics and contact life.
7.1.1 Mass flow, preferably in standard cm3/s,
As a rule, probing tests are difficult and not necessary,
as defective units will be scrapped. Test data have 7.1.2 Time, preferably in seconds,
revealed that a seal that leaks no more than 1 106
standard cm3/s at 15 psi (0.10 MPa) differential will 7.1.3 Pressure differential, preferably in psi,
give adequate protection at the normally small operating
differentials. 7.1.4 Direction of pressure differential,
Maximum Leakage at 15 psi (0.10 MPa) Differential, Pressure Internal
7.1.5 Other restrictions only when necessary, and
(Note Appendix Table X1, Nos. 2123)

Maximum 7.1.6 Intended use of specifications:

Leakage,
Type of Standard cm3/ 7.1.6.1 Operational.
Specification Seller User s
Operational 1 106 7.1.6.2 Testing, total.
Testing,
total X 3 108a
Testing, 7.1.6.3 Testing, each leak (optional).
total X 3 109a
7.1.6.4 Testing, total, seller (optional).
a Fill to be 10% helium in dry nitrogen. This value pertains to

helium leakage only. 7.1.6.5 Testing, each leak, seller (optional).

APPENDIX

X1. PRELIMINARY LEAK TESTS

X1.1 It should be noted that furnished specifications spectrometer with 100% helium external test gas. He
in no way prevent the manufacturer or seller from computes the expected difference in leak rate:
making his own interim leak tests. It should be deter-
mined, however, that such tests do not prejudice the Factor of Safety = (P22 P2)/(P42 P32)
required tests. For example, a preliminary bubble test = (152 02)/(852 152) = 0.03
under water might temporarily plug small leaks. As an
example, consider line 11, Table X1, Expansion valve Therefore he will get a value of 1 109 0.03 = 3
operator assembly, seller, max leakage 1 109 standard 1011 standard cm3/s. However, in leaks of this size,
cm3/s at 70 psi (0.48 MPa) differential, pressure inter- helium leaks about 7 times faster than R-12. Therefore,
nal. The seller wishes to test the assembly before he may desire to use the specification value of 3
fitting and sealing. He elects to use the helium mass 1011 7 = 2 1010 standard cm3/s as a preliminary test.

635
SE-479 1998 SECTION V SE-479

TABLE X1
LEAKAGE SPECIFICATION DEVELOPED IN EXAMPLE, AUTOMOTIVE AIR CONDITIONER

Pressure
Type of Differential, Max. Leakage, Methods
No. Component Specification Seller User Internal External psi (MPa) Standard cm3s Considered a

1. Hoses operational X 300 1.8 104 A1

(2.07)
2. Refrigerant system operational X 300 1.8 104 A1
except hoses (2.07)
3. Refrigerant system testing total X X 400 6 105 A, B
except hoses (2.76)
4. Refrigerant system testing, each X X 400 2 105 A, B
except hoses leak (2.76)
5. Expansion valve testing total X X 400 9 106 A, B
refrigeration system (2.76)
6. Expansion valve testing total X X 400 9 107 A, B
refrigeration system (2.76)
7. Expansion valve testing, each X X 400 3 106 A2
refrigeration system leak (2.76)
8. Expansion valve testing, each X X 400 3 107 A2
refrigeration system a leak (2.76)
9. Expansion valve operator operational X 70 1.3 108 A1
assembly (0.48)
10. Expansion valve operator testing total X X 70 4 109 A1
assembly (0.48)
11. Expansion valve operator testing total X X 70 1 109 A1
assembly (0.48)
12. Expansion valve operator testing, each X X 70 3 109 A1
assembly leak (0.48)
13. Expansion valve operator testing, each X X 70 1 109 A1
assembly leak (0.48)
14. Control valve testing total X X 400 2 105 A, B
refrigeration system (2.76)
15. Control valve testing total X X 400 2 106 A, B
refrigeration system (2.76)
16. Control valve testing, each X X 400 6 106 A2
refrigeration system leak (2.76)
17. Control valve testing, each X X 400 6 107 A2
refrigeration system leak (2.76)
18. Control valve operator operational X 15 1 102 A
system (0.10)
19. Control valve testing total X X 15 1 100 C3
operator system (0.10)
20. Control valve operator testing total X X 15 1 101 C3
system (0.10)
21. Thermostat operational X 15 1 106 B1
(0.10)
22. Thermostat testing total X X 15 3 106 b B1
(0.10)
23. Thermostat testing total X X 15 3 106 b B1
(0.10)
a The last column, Methods Considered, is not a proper part of the specifications. It and the footnotes were appended to show test methods

that were considered.

Methods Considered Reasons for Suitability

A. Halogen, alkali-diode 1. Inherent tracer

B. Helium mass spectrometer, tracer internal 2. Adequate sensitivity
C. Sensitive flowmeter 3. Quantitative measurement of large leaks
b Fill to be 10% helium in dry nitrogen. This value is for helium leakage only.

By publication of this standard no position is taken with respect to the validity of any patent rights in connection therewith, and The American
Society of Mechanical Engineers does not undertake to insure anyone utilizing the standard against liability for infringement of any Letters
Patent nor assume any such liability.

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